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3 clusters · 6 sources · 27 days · First seen · Last updated

Global medicinal cannabis market expansion

Overview

Global medicinal cannabis markets are experiencing growth and regulatory shifts across several regions.

In Portugal, medicinal cannabis exports have seen massive growth. Official reports from Infarmed show that the country exported nearly 80 tonnes in 2025, representing a 156% increase from the previous year and eight times the volume recorded in 2022. By 2024, Portugal was ranked as the second-largest exporter of medicinal cannabis globally, trailing only Canada. Despite this industrial expansion, observers note a lack of serious economic debate regarding the regulation and domestic management of the industry. To manage high volumes, Infarmed has strengthened inspections and control procedures.

Australia has seen record imports, totaling over 81 tonnes in 2025, with Thailand emerging as a significant source alongside Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, and Colombia. While domestic production exceeded 55 tonnes, total available supply reached over 136 tonnes.

In Brazil, the market is expanding with 55 active sanitary authorizations held by 25 companies. Data from ANVISA indicates a 29% increase in import authorizations in 2026, driven by patient demand for treating conditions such as refractory epilepsy and chronic neuropathic pain. The industry is approaching a renewal cycle, with ten authorizations scheduled to expire between late 2026 and mid-2027.

Entities

Infarmed · Cannamonitor · Australia · Prati-Donaduzzi · Portugal

Timeline

  1. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Industrial innovation in Brazil and cannabis exports in Portugal

    Brazil faces declining industrial innovation rates, while Portugal has emerged as a major global exporter of medicinal cannabis, seeing a 156% increase in exports in 2025.

  2. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Medicinal cannabis market in Brazil reaches 55 active authorizations

    Brazil's medicinal cannabis market has reached 55 active sanitary authorizations, with a 29% rise in imports in 2026 driven by increased medical prescription and patient demand.

  3. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Medicinal cannabis trade volumes rise in Portugal and Australia

    Portugal's medicinal cannabis exports exceeded 66 tonnes in the first half of this year, while Australia's medical cannabis imports reached a record 81 tonnes in 2025.

Sources

abradilan.com.br · aepet.org.br · europesays.com · internationalcbc.com · sanarmed.com · sapo.pt

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history